Huck ® Fasteners : Redefining Strength and Reliability in Engineering
EDITOR ’ S CHOICE FASTENERS FOR ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION
STAR FASTENERS
Huck ® Fasteners : Redefining Strength and Reliability in Engineering
In engineering and construction , the demand for fasteners that can withstand dynamic forces , vibrations , and harsh environments is critical . Huck ® fasteners , known for their strength and reliability , stand out as a preferred solution across various industries . This article compares Huck ® fasteners to traditional threaded fasteners , highlighting the strengths and limitations of each fastener type , with a focus on durability , maintenance , and efficiency .
The Unique Engineering Principles of Huck ® Fasteners LockBolts ® are a relatively modern innovation in the world of fasteners , developed in the 1940s by Louis C . Huck . Initially known as the HuckBolt ®, this revolutionary concept was created for the U . S . Navy and railcar industries to address the persistent issue of self-loosening in conventional nuts and bolts subjected to severe vibration . Huck ’ s groundbreaking design culminated in the first LockBolt patent granted in 1950 , and he subsequently established the now-renowned Huck ® brand .
This unique fastener design provided effective solutions to common challenges , including :
• Loss of preload under service load ,
• Setting and relaxation effects in threads ,
• Self-loosening under vibrational loads , and
• Relative movement in the thread-bearing area .
The innovative fastening technology quickly gained popularity among manufacturers of mechanical structures and transportation vehicles . Its advantages over traditional joining methods made it a preferred choice in industries demanding reliability and performance .
Today , LockBolts are utilized globally across a wide range of industries by manufacturers seeking to minimize maintenance on bolted joints , eliminate the hazards and risks associated with welding , or simply streamline their assembly processes for greater efficiency .
Huck ® LockBolts Huck ® fasteners are engineered to deliver unmatched resistance to vibration and loosening , a feature achieved through their mechanical locking mechanism . Unlike traditional fasteners such as nuts and bolts , which rely on friction to maintain tightness , Huck ® fasteners use a combination of pre-loaded tension and a swaging process to create a permanent , vibration-proof connection . LockBolts offer distinct advantages over traditional threaded fasteners . Their unique strength stems from two key principles :
Swaging Process : The Huck ® LockBolt consists of a high-strength bolt ( also known as a pin ) and a corresponding collar made from a softer and more ductile material than the pin . The locking grooves are an essential feature of LockBolts and differ from conventional screws in their flatter groove geometry , which results in a larger stress crosssection with the same nominal diameter and a lower notch sharpness . As a result , LockBolts have a significantly higher fatigue strength than threaded fasteners . The collar is smooth ( unthreaded ) on the inside and , unlike a nut , is not processed by turning , but is axially pressed firmly into the grooves of the bolt by the processing tool , which generates the clamp force on the one hand and creates a non-detachable connection on the other .
• The swaging process generates a predetermined preload and clamp load . The result is a permanent , vibration-resistant lock that eliminates gaps or play between components , the end result creates a unified structure capable of withstanding extreme stresses .
• Huck ® fasteners are manufactured from high-strength , quality materials , which provide superior resistance to shear and tensile forces . They have a high resistance to environmental factors , such as moisture and temperature fluctuations , this ensures long-term durability even in harsh conditions .
Consistent Clamp Force : Traditional bolts depend on torque to maintain tension ,
38 PECM Issue 72